NIGERIA: English, Mathematics Still Compulsory for O’Level Students – FG

By Hamzat Ameenat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Federal Government has clarified that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for their O’Level examinations, contrary to misconceptions suggesting otherwise.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Federal Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry reaffirmed that all students must register and sit for English Language and Mathematics, describing the recent policy as a streamlining of admission requirements, not the removal of the core subjects.

According to the statement, the clarification follows the misinterpretation of the new admission guidelines for tertiary institutions, which some reports had wrongly portrayed as exempting students, particularly those in the Arts, from sitting for the two core subjects.

The Ministry said: “The new policy does not exempt any candidate from registering and sitting for these two core subjects. It only introduces a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements.”

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (CON), explained that the reform was introduced to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions across Nigeria.

He noted that capable and deserving students should not be denied access to higher education due to deficiencies in subjects that are not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study.

Dr. Alausa stated that the new framework corrects existing imbalances by allowing tertiary institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics are not compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects during their O’Level examinations.

He emphasized that the reform aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, adding that it recognizes the diverse intellectual strengths of Nigerian students.

“The policy broadens academic pathways, encourages diverse learning opportunities, and removes unnecessary barriers without compromising the quality and integrity of education,” the Minister said.

The statement further highlighted that English Language and Mathematics remain fundamental tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, forming vital components of a sound educational foundation.

The adjustment, it noted, only affects admission criteria for certain programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for these subjects.

Reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards, the statement assured that the Federal Government will continue to work closely with regulatory bodies, examination councils, and tertiary institutions to ensure the smooth implementation of the revised guidelines.

It also urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels and verified social media platforms of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate information on policies, reforms, and announcements.

“The Federal Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its mission to build a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners,” the statement concluded.